Confessions of a Strategic Leadership Program Coordinator

I thought all accountants were the same. Like many others, whenever I thought of the word accountant, I’d get the image of an uptight bean counter. But I was wrong.

It started the first time I attended a CMA convocation. Two weeks into my role as the Strategic Leadership Program Coordinator for CMA Alberta, I had the opportunity to attend a convocation ceremony. It was here that I had the opportunity to see and hear the stories of our candidates – what the CMA designation means to them and what it means for their careers. But, equally important, was the chance I had to see the real CMA. These graduates were nothing like what I had pictured. Instead, they were young people dressed to the nines, drinking champagne, dancing until dawn, and suddenly I got it – they’re nowhere close to being a bean counter.

Nearly two years into my role, I’m responsible for supporting CMA candidates as they move through the CMA Strategic Leadership Program. I’m the one they call, e-mail and hunt down when they need support, whatever that looks like. I’ve had a lot of opportunity to get to know the real DNA of a CMA.

What I’ve learned about a CMA candidate is that they never back down from a challenge. Status quo simply isn’t in their vocabulary. Rather, they’re innovative in their thinking and leadership. They get that a business report means more than just the numbers, but that in the numbers are clues and inspiration for opportunity.  It’s here that they can challenge their critical and creative thinking ability and find the solutions that drive success.

It’s rewarding to be a part of someone’s dream and for me, that’s the reward for what I do. As the Strategic Leadership Program coordinator, I know the program is challenging, and I know the sacrifices that are made to become a CMA. So, when the candidates make it across the convocation stage, I understand the stories, personalities, struggles and accomplishments.

And as for the bean counter stereotype? I couldn’t have been more off the mark. But I’m glad I was wrong, because working with and for the candidates has also brought me to a whole new level and makes every day an interesting one.
 

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